If you're a regular reader, you'll know I love fruit in my baking. I’ve made these simple muffins many times, and they’re always great. The first time I made them, I used blackberries, and it’s now my favourite recipe that uses blackberries. But I’ve made them many times since with raspberries – fresh or frozen, depending on the time of year.

It’s a simple recipe, and it’s the lemon that makes them special. Just the zest of half a lemon each in the topping and muffin enhances the berry and makes the muffins unforgettable. This is the kind of comfort food I love best.

Do you ever wonder what I do with all the food I bake? Baking is a passion for me, and it’s easy to end up with much more than our family needs. I’ve made these muffins for several friends lately who are going through difficult times. I can’t always lessen their pain, but I can show them a physical manifestation of my caring by taking them food. And hopefully at the same time, I’m honouring their request to listen to their pain, whether or not it is spoken.

“The really important kind of freedom involves attention and awareness and discipline, and being able truly to care about other people and to sacrifice for them over and over in myriad petty, unsexy ways every day.”

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line 12 standard muffin cups with paper liners or use a silicon tray.

To make the topping, stir together the sugar, flour and zest in a small bowl. Stir in the melted butter then add the pecans and stir to combine. Set aside.

To make the muffins, stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, zest and salt. Make a well in the centre and add the egg, melted butter and buttermilk. Stir just until evenly moistened. The batter will be slightly lumpy. Sprinkle with the berries and gently fold in just until evenly distributed,. Take care not to break up the fruit. Do not overmix.

Spoon the batter into each muffin cup, filling it to a bit above the rim of the cup. Top each muffin with the topping, dividing it evenly.

Bake 25 – 30 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the centre of a muffin should come out clean. Let the muffins cool for 10 minutes before removing from the tray.

Mmmm...these sound amazing! And the buttermilk must make these extra moist and tender. I do the same thing with my extra baked goods...I always have a stash of something in the freezer for friends in need~

My mother-in-law also loved to bake with a lot of fruit, particularly plums. Perhaps an influence from the 10 years she lived in Poland as an adult. I think that's so kind of you to bring comforting baked goods to your friends. I hope everything works out for them.

I made muffins this weekend, too. A great on the go breakfast! We have lots of blackberry bushes around our house so I will have to try these with blackberries. I think a home baked good is the best kind of heartfelt sympathy and can cheer anyone up.

It always amazes me how much flavor a little bit of lemon zest adds. And lemon is one of my favorite flavors, so I like to use it often. Thanks goodness for microplanes - makes zesting easy. Good recipe, really nice quote - thanks.

I love the crumbly topping on these muffins Beth. They definitely look like comfort food. Baking for your friends is a great way to show that you care -- and people are always so pleased to receive homemade goodies. Thinking of your friends...

These sound delicious! It's amazing what a little lemon zest will do to bring out flavor :) I think it's so nice that you bake for friends~ I have a friend who randomly sends me hilarious cards if we've had a phone conversation and I've mentioned a challence going on in my life. Cheers me up and makes me feel loved every time. I would love to bake for them, but unfortunately most of my girlfriends really watch what they eat (especially yummy carbs). I am so thankful not to be on a diet (other than eat as much spinach from the garden as possible). I suppose I could just make these for my own family...we've got frozen blueberries right now--maybe I'll try a substitution!

I am always gifting baked goods as well and though they can't move mountains, they do make people happy. ANd that's all that matters. It's amazing how important a touch of lemon can be! These look delicious.